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HITTERS BY POSITION - CATCHER
(asterisked players will be free agents this offseason)
Charlie Bennett, Cleveland Blues (0-28-.220-0) - After being injured for most of 1880, Bennett returned but didn't really do much. Frankly, his backup Doc Kennedy probably could have manned the position just as effectively.
John Clapp, Troy Trojans* (0-37-.241-3) - Clapp improved over his dreadful 1880 season, but he still has proven to be somewhat of a disappointment in his two years in Troy. This season, he'll see what he can do on the free agent market; early rumors suggest he might jump to the new Beer and Whiskey League.
Barney Gilligan, Detroit Wolverines (0-22-.200-0) - He wasn't as terrible as last year, when he almost single-handedly ruined Cincinnati's offense, but he certainly wasn't good. One has to wonder how long team are going to continue to give him a starting job.
Emil Gross, Providence Grays (0-29-.238-0) - He's been playing for Providence for three years, and has gotten progressively less effective with each season. He's gone from being a highly touted young player to a guy who they hope doesn't do any damage.
Dick Higham, Worcester Ruby Legs (0-31-.281-1) - Higham is one of the few solid hitters in Worcester, and he will be expected to continue as one of the bright spots for this downtrodden franchise.
Cal McVey, Boston Red Caps (1-41-.334-13) - He came back from an off-season to have an outstanding year for the near-miss Red Caps. He's currently the all-time leader in hits, and should command a tidy sum when he renegotiates his contract at the end of next season.
"Orator Jim" O'Rourke, Chicago White Stockings (2-54-.310-1) - This veteran hitter had an excellent 1881, setting the all-time record for most doubles in a season with 32. Look for him to continue as one of base ball's prime players.
Frank Selman, Buffalo Bisons (1-36-.243-2) - Selman, a long-time veteran who is amazingly still only 28 years old, has settled in as a steady but not great catcher for Buffalo.
And the award for best catcher of 1880 goes to... CAL McVEY OF THE BOSTON RED CAPS. After a year out of the top spot, McVey returned to form, winning this award for the sixth time.
Catcher
1871 - Deacon White, Cleveland Forest Citys (0-28-.389-1)
1872 - Cal McVey, Boston Red Stockings (3-52-.405-18)
1873 - John Clapp, Baltimore Canaries (0-45-.345-4)
1874 - Jim O'Rourke, New York Mutuals (2-68-.365-3)
1875 - Cal McVey, Boston Red Stockings (1-79-.329-14)
1876 - Jim O'Rourke, New York Mutuals (1-32-.374-3)
1877 - Cal McVey, Boston Red Caps (3-46-.375-9)
1878 - Cal McVey, Boston Red Caps (0-41-.355-9)
1879 - Cal McVey, Boston Red Caps (0-62-.333-11)
1880 - Jim O'Rourke, Chicago White Stockings (1-51-.298-5)
1881 - Cal McVey, Boston Red Caps (1-41-.334-13)
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